Heathrow Airport Hit by Major Delays After M4 Car Fire
Travelers heading to Heathrow Airport faced significant disruptions this morning due to a car fire on the M4 motorway, causing road closures and congestion.
The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning when a vehicle burst into flames inside a tunnel on the southbound section of the M4. Emergency services were called to the scene around 3 a.m.
Initially, the M4 was closed southbound between junctions 4 and 4A, and drivers were advised to use alternative routes.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson reported that firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
“We were called just before 3 a.m. today to reports of car fire in a tunnel near Heathrow Airport,” the spokesperson said. “Firefighters attended and discovered a car fully alight. The fire was safely extinguished by firefighters and no one was reported to be injured.”
Road access to Terminals 2 and 3 was temporarily restricted, according to a Heathrow Airport spokesperson. Passengers were advised to use public transport or alternative routes via the M25 (J14) or the M4 (J3).
National Highways confirmed the closure on social media, adding that emergency services were present and advising travelers to allow extra time for their journeys.
All roads have since reopened, but congestion persists around the airport.
A Heathrow Airport spokesperson confirmed that the road closure had been resolved, but some congestion remained. “All roads have now reopened but there continues to be some congestion around the airport,” the spokesperson stated. “We apologise for the disruption caused this morning.”
Passengers also experienced rail disruptions between Paddington and Heathrow Terminal 4 due to a fire near the tracks, though National Rail has since reported that trains are running normally.
